Statement of Establishment

       Upon the initiative taken by the Public Aid Organization (PAO) and support from the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) the first forum of Human Rights Organizations was held in Erbil on October 29-31, 2009. The forum saw the participation of more than 30 NGOs representing all Iraqi provinces. The former KRG minister of civil society, Mr. George Mansour was also in attendance. During the first day of the forum participants discussed human rights situation in Iraq with a focus on important challenges and opportunities facing the Iraqi citizen. The second day of the forum participants discussed the structure, bylaws, and the work plan for the next four years. Participants then approved these documents, while agreeing to establish a coalition under the name of Iraqi Alliance for Human Rights Organizations. The main goal and objectives of the coalition as agreed to by the participants: